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Is Anything Wrong With Pat Robertson Making a Killing?
Pat Robertson touted the benefits of his weight-loss shake via his nonprofit CBN on "The 700 Club."
(Associated Press)
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This spring, Robertson launched a 12-week Weight Loss Challenge on "The 700 Club," suggesting viewers slim down with exercise and a healthful diet, including two daily doses of his shake.
When Busch heard about the challenge, he sent before-and-after pictures of himself to CBN.
"They were ecstatic," Busch said in an interview. "They wanted to put my pictures on TV. I said okay."
Robertson showed the pictures to viewers early in the Weight Loss Challenge and included them in a commercial that ran for several weeks promoting the program.
Shortly before the end of the Weight Loss Challenge, Busch said, his wife noticed a GNC store display promoting a new product. Robertson's weight-loss shake had been turned into a powdered mix in a can: nine servings for $21.99.
In large type on the front of the can, the product is labeled "Pat's Diet Shake." In smaller type on the back, it is identified as "Dr. Pat Robertson's Diet Shake." Robertson is not a medical doctor, but he has a law degree, known formally as a juris doctor, from Yale Law School.
At the end of the Weight Loss Challenge in July, CBN flew Busch to Virginia Beach for a "700 Club" interview with Robertson. On the show, Robertson introduced Busch as "Exhibit A-plus" for his diet plan and asked if he used his shake.
"Absolutely, and it's very essential and it helps tremendously," Busch replied. "Matter of fact, now I just go to the GNC and get the weight-loss shake."
Busch says representatives of Robertson's organization led him to believe that he might be able to get a contract as a national spokesman for the shake, but nothing came of those discussions. He is bitter about being elbowed aside by Hawk, the bodybuilder affiliated with GNC.
"I'm the one that lost 198 pounds," Busch said. "I felt like an idiot. I felt used. All I was trying to do was inspire people. I did it for the viewers -- not to help Pat Robertson make money."
Hawk, a former Mr. USA and Mr. World, made two appearances on "The 700 Club" during the Weight Loss Challenge. On his second appearance, he wore a shirt bearing the GNC logo.
On his Web site, which promotes Robertson's shake, Hawk says he "works extensively with General Nutrition Corp. in a variety of capacities."
